MAMMALIA. 



93 



hence is common in Banda Oriental and Entre Rios. Azara says it is found 

 from 26° 30', to at least 41° south ; but, I was assured, perhaps incorrectly, that 

 the Sierra Tapalguen (37° 30'), where the nature of the country becomes slightly 

 different, is its southern limit. The D. villosus, minutus, and mataco, are found at 

 Bahia Blanca, in latitude 39°. I was also assured that these three species, 

 together with the D. hybridus, frequent the plains near Mendoza, in latitude 33° 

 to 34°."— D. 



2. Dasypus minutus. 



Dasypus minutus, Auct. 



" The northern limit of this species on the Atlantic side of the continent, is (as 

 I was told by the inhabitants) near the southern one of the D. hybridus, namely, 

 37° 30'. It is extremely abundant on the arid plains near the Sierra Ventana, and 

 likewise in the neighbourhood of the Rio Negro. This species has a range con- 

 siderably further southward than any other: I obtained specimens at Port Desire, 

 where, however, it is far from common, and at Santa Cruz (in latitude 50°) I saw 

 its tesselated covering lying on the ground. At Bahia Blanca, I found in the 

 stomach of this armadillo, coleoptera, larvae, roots of plants, and even a small 

 snake of the genus Amphisbaena. All the species, excepting one, wander about 

 by day. At Bahia Blanca, during a morning's ride, three or four of the D. 

 minutus generally were met with ; but, in order to secure them, it was necessary 

 to jump off one's horse as quickly as possible, otherwise, they would have disap- 

 peared by burrowing in the sandy soil. This species often endeavours to escape 

 detection by squatting close to the ground, and remaining motionless." — D. 



1. DlDELPHIS AzARjE. 



Didelphis Azarse, Auct. 



" This species is said to inhabit burrows : it is nocturnal, and is very destruc- 

 tive to poultry. The body after death possesses a very offensive odour. My 

 specimen was procured at Maldonado." — D. 



